Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): ignition coil, ground effect, live wire

Question
i was trying to test my ignition coil, on a points system 3cyl outboard with powerpack, and i ran a live wire from the battery to the wire on the ignition coil that is supposed to be connected to the wire coming from power pack and it started to arc as if i was hitting ground.  is that normal? do you think i might have a short ant the distributor ?  

Answer
 Hello Carlos:

 Was the Point Set Contacts Open or Closed when you Did this? If they Were Closed then you will have a Ground in the Circuit. When the Contacts Open there is a Break. The Break is the Same Arc that you Got when you Touched the Coil. From your Description I would Say the Point Set Contacts were Closed Causing a Ground Effect. Make Sure the Point Set Contacts are Open and Try Again. Send me the Make and All the Model Numbers Off of the Engine and I May be Able to Locate a Breakdown of the Engine and Better Assist you. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require More Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Resperctfully

 John